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How do I get funding for a second OU module in the same academic year as the first?

Hi, I’m just looking to see if anyone can give advice based on personal experience please?

I’m currently studying a course with the open university. I started module 1 (stage 1) in October 2024 and have an approved tuition fee loan. Module 2 (stage 1) is due to start in February 2025.

The OU have advised that as the second module falls into the same academic year as the first, I can’t apply for a second loan, I just need to contact student finance and ask for them to increase my tuition loan to the maximum amount and that will cover both modules.

I’ve contacted SF twice. First person told me I had to complete a change of circumstances form and sent me a link. When I looked at the form there was no option for increasing the loan, it was just about changing the course/university. I then went back to SF and explained what I needed again. The second person told me I need to ask the university to send them an electronic change of circumstances form.

I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do now and worried I won’t get funding in time.

Any advice please?

Reply 1

kriding39

I've never been in this situation before so I cant really offer advice on how to proceed, other than speak to Student services, and explain what SF have told you.

But whenever you apply for a tuition loan, always apply for the full amount. That doesn't mean you will owe that much, it just means the OU has the means to take the funds required for your courses in any academic year, any left over is returned to SF and removed from your overall debt.

Reply 2

stevnw

Original post by Kelsey993

Hi, I’m just looking to see if anyone can give advice based on personal experience please?
I’m currently studying a course with the open university. I started module 1 (stage 1) in October 2024 and have an approved tuition fee loan. Module 2 (stage 1) is due to start in February 2025.
The OU have advised that as the second module falls into the same academic year as the first, I can’t apply for a second loan, I just need to contact student finance and ask for them to increase my tuition loan to the maximum amount and that will cover both modules.
I’ve contacted SF twice. First person told me I had to complete a change of circumstances form and sent me a link. When I looked at the form there was no option for increasing the loan, it was just about changing the course/university. I then went back to SF and explained what I needed again. The second person told me I need to ask the university to send them an electronic change of circumstances form.
I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do now and worried I won’t get funding in time.
Any advice please?

I started SM123 in October 2023 and then started MST124 in Feb 2024. My 2023/24 loan covered both of these - I am not really sure what I did though as it was a while ago.

You best bet is to talk to the student services as already mentioned in this thread - but I believe it should be fine??